Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Cholesterol and RDW Insights
Health check-up Hello, doctor. My health check-up results from two weeks ago showed two abnormal values. What do these results indicate, and how can I improve them? Total cholesterol (T-CHO) is 130 mg/dL, and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is 10.9.
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Walt, Regarding your health check results, there are two abnormal values to discuss: Total cholesterol (T-CHO) is 130 mg/dL. The reference range for total cholesterol typically falls between 130 and 200 mg/dL, so your total cholesterol is at the lower limit. This usua...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Cholesterol and RDW Insights
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Causes of Fatigue and Anemia
Abnormal blood test results? Hello, I experienced quite severe insomnia two years ago, but my sleep quality has improved significantly over the past six months, allowing me to fall asleep in about 20 minutes. However, I still feel very fatigued and weak; even after sleeping 8-9 h...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. CY, I understand from your letter that you have been experiencing persistent fatigue. Your health check report indicates mild anemia and a slightly elevated eosinophil count. Here’s an explanation: 1) The ideal hemoglobin (Hb) level for women is above 12.0 g/dL. You ha...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Causes of Fatigue and Anemia
Understanding Prediabetes: Do You Need Medication or Dietary Changes?
Is it prediabetes, and is there a need for medication management? Hello Doctor: I had a routine check-up last June, where my fasting blood glucose was 88, but my hemoglobin A1c spiked to 9.4. The doctor advised that the testing lab should recheck the results. Later, I was asked t...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
●Conclusion first: Not necessarily, but there is a high chance of not having diabetes, and medication is not required. ●The diagnostic criteria for diabetes include four criteria: (1) Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL (2) Two-hour blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL after a 75 g oral gluco...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Do You Need Medication or Dietary Changes?
Differentiating Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello, Doctor! The recent complete blood count results are as follows: WBC 5.9 (x10^9/L), RBC 6.96 (x10^12/L), HB 14.8 (g/dL), HCT 48.9 (%), MCV 70.3 (fL), MCH 21.3 (pg), MCHC 30.3 (g/dL), PLT 219 (x10^9/L), RDW 16.6 (%), MPV 12.2 ...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng Reply:
Hello, Zhi-Hua: Your red blood cells are indeed smaller than normal. In addition to understanding whether your parents have a similar condition, you can visit a family medicine or hematology department for further testing, including serum ferritin and hemoglobin electrophoresis. ...[Read More] Differentiating Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia
Understanding Low Vitamin B12: Anemia and Health Implications
Regarding low levels of vitamin B12? I would like to ask the doctor again: I usually do not experience dizziness when squatting; does this mean I do not have anemia? Additionally, my vitamin B12 levels are lower than average. Could this be due to a possible hematopoietic dysfunct...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Anemia should not be assessed solely based on whether one experiences dizziness; it is advisable to have a blood test, as women are prone to iron deficiency anemia due to menstrual cycles. ● Vitamin B12 deficiency may present with mild symptoms such as fatigue; however, severe ...[Read More] Understanding Low Vitamin B12: Anemia and Health Implications
Understanding Your Anemia Diagnosis: Key Insights and Next Steps
I would like to know what type of anemia I have based on my health screening results? Hello, doctor. I have been working abroad for many years, and recently, at my company's request, I underwent a health check-up. My blood tests were conducted twice, and although the doctors...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
Hello: If possible, it is recommended to recheck your white blood cell count. The mention of no blasts indicates a lower concern for cancerous changes, but if you are still worried, a retest can be done. Regarding the red blood cell count, you have microcytic anemia, which is mos...[Read More] Understanding Your Anemia Diagnosis: Key Insights and Next Steps
Understanding High White Blood Cell Count and Lipid Levels: Key Health Insights
Elevated white blood cell count, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had blood tests done on March 6, which included urine, blood, liver, and kidney function tests. The results showed elevated white blood cells (17,140), tr...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are many causes for elevated white blood cell counts, including inflammation, infection, or other diseases. It is advisable to monitor for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, diarrhea, or other recent significant physical discomfort. If none are present, it is still reco...[Read More] Understanding High White Blood Cell Count and Lipid Levels: Key Health Insights
Understanding Your Back Pain: When to See a Family Doctor
I don't know which doctor to see? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my lower back and pelvis for over three months. The pain occurs only when I perform certain movements, such as bending over, especially when exerting effort; when I’m not exerting myself, I feel...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are many causes of lower back pain, with the majority being due to muscle strains in the lumbar region. Most cases will recover within a few weeks, but there is a possibility of recurrence. Given your age, pain during bending or exertion is primarily related to lower back...[Read More] Understanding Your Back Pain: When to See a Family Doctor
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Blood and Urine Test Insights
Health Check Report Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my blood test results: - White blood cells: 9.8 - Red blood cells: 5.63 - Hemoglobin: 11.7 - Hematocrit: 36.3 - Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): 64.5 - Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): 20.8 - Mean corpuscular hem...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
According to your description, a blood test showing microcytic anemia (MCV < 80) may indicate iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. An increased red blood cell distribution width suggests recent blood loss or increased production, such as after a gastrointestinal bleed or hem...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Blood and Urine Test Insights
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Insights
Is there Mediterranean anemia? My blood test results show white blood cells: 6.1, red blood cells: 6.48, hemoglobin: 14.3, platelets: 267, mean corpuscular volume (MCV): 68.4. Do I have thalassemia? What should I pay attention to regarding the mean corpuscular volume? Thank you.
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, white blood cells: 6.1, red blood cells: 6.48, hemoglobin: 14.3, platelets: 267, mean corpuscular volume: 68.4. Hemoglobin is normal, but the mean corpuscular volume is slightly low. There may be a genetic abnormality associated with thalassemia, but it is not expressed. I...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Insights
Understanding Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Blood disorders The blood test report shows white blood cells at 5.3, red blood cells at 4.47, hemoglobin at 11.7, hematocrit at 35, mean corpuscular volume at 78.3, mean corpuscular hemoglobin at 26.2, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration at 33.4, and platelets at 265. Seru...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, Xiao Dou. Thank you for your message. Generally speaking, if it is simply iron deficiency anemia, symptoms should gradually improve after iron supplementation. If symptoms do not improve, it is still recommended to consult a hematologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Can People with Favism Eat Peas or Fava Beans?
Regarding Favism? Hello, doctor: I have favism. Since I was young, my family has told me not to eat fava beans, but the packaging of fava bean snacks states that they are made from split peas. Can I eat fava bean snacks with my condition?
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, G6PD deficiency, also known as favism, is a hereditary condition primarily related to abnormal glucose metabolism in red blood cells. When exposed to oxidative substances, such as fava beans, certain medications like nitrofurantoin, and dyes like methylene blue, as well as...[Read More] Can People with Favism Eat Peas or Fava Beans?
Understanding Medical Test Results: Reference Values and Hemolysis Explained
Some questions? Hello, doctor: We often undergo various health check-ups. For example, if a report shows a value of 47 and the reference range is >50, what does this reference value mean? Does it mean that only values greater than 50 are considered abnormal? Also, I have G6PD ...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Zhengyi, Hello, the reference values refer to the average concentration of liver enzymes in the blood of healthy adults without disease, which is normal for 95% of the population. Values exceeding this range may indicate hepatitis or other causes of elevated enzyme levels. ...[Read More] Understanding Medical Test Results: Reference Values and Hemolysis Explained
Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Abnormal Lymphocytes in Blood Tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about low red blood cell count and abnormal atypical lymphocytes. What could be the issue, and what should I do? These two items were highlighted in red only in this year's health check, and I have not had these i...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Huang, Hello, the interpretation of any medical test results must be accompanied by a complete and detailed medical history and physical examination. I recommend that you bring the relevant reports and discuss them in person with your physician. Thank you! Wishing you safe...[Read More] Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Abnormal Lymphocytes in Blood Tests
Understanding Your Health Check Report: What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
Medical Examination Report Today, I went to the hospital to pick up my school health examination report and found three items marked in red! 1. The white blood cell count (WBC) is 4.9, while the normal range indicated is 5.0 to 10.0. All other blood test results are within normal...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
1. The standard range for WBC measurement is 5.0 to 10.0. There is no significant health difference between 4.9 and 5.0; however, they do not fall into the normal or abnormal categories. It is recommended to exercise more and follow up later. 2. Urine pH can vary with diet. A p...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
Improving Anemia in Seniors: Tips for Better Appetite and Health
How to improve anemia in the elderly? Hello, Doctor! My father has been experiencing frequent dizziness, which has affected his mobility. After examinations by a neurologist and an otolaryngologist, no significant issues were found. However, blood tests later indicated that he ha...
Dr. Chen Zonglin Reply:
I'm not sure about the severity of your father's anemia. Alcohol consumption can affect the absorption of folate, which is one of the components necessary for the production of red blood cells. Therefore, to improve anemia, it is essential to at least stop drinking alco...[Read More] Improving Anemia in Seniors: Tips for Better Appetite and Health
Understanding Low Hemoglobin and MCH Levels: Health Implications
Hemoglobin Hemoglobin (Hgb) is low at 11.7 g/dL (normal range: 12-16 g/dL), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is low at 26.9 pg (normal range: 27-34 pg). 1. Low hemoglobin levels can lead to symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin. ...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Emma, Regarding your question, both of these indicators refer to mild anemia. Since the condition is relatively mild, the symptoms of anemia (such as fatigue, dizziness, and lightheadedness) are not very pronounced. It is more important to investigate the underlying causes ...[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin and MCH Levels: Health Implications
Is Your Temperature Fluctuation Normal? Understanding Fever and Health Concerns
Is this fluctuation in body temperature normal? Hello Doctor: Since October of last year, due to work fatigue, emotional stress, and irregular eating and sleeping habits, I have experienced difficulty sleeping for over two weeks, frequent diarrhea, and later developed gastroesoph...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Human body temperature is generally stable, but it does fluctuate slightly throughout the day due to physiological activities of the muscles and liver. Body temperature gradually rises after waking up in the morning, peaks in the afternoon...[Read More] Is Your Temperature Fluctuation Normal? Understanding Fever and Health Concerns
Understanding Bombay Blood Type: Can It Be Inherited?
About the Bombay blood group? My parents have blood types A and B, my paternal grandfather is type A and my paternal grandmother is type O. My maternal grandfather is type AB and my maternal grandmother is type O, who is suspected to have the Bombay blood type. My mother has a br...
Dr. Huang Shaoxin Reply:
Based on your description, you may also have the Bombay blood group, although the probability is very low. Therefore, it is recommended that you undergo blood type testing and a saliva test (to measure A, B, and H antigens in saliva) to confirm whether you have the Bombay blood g...[Read More] Understanding Bombay Blood Type: Can It Be Inherited?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Do You Have Thalassemia?
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello Doctor, I recently underwent an electrophoresis test and would like to ask about my results. My mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is normal, but my hemoglobin A1 and F levels are abnormal. Does this mean I have thalassemia? Here ...
Dr. Huang Shaoxin Reply:
Thalassemia, also known as Mediterranean anemia, is a congenital blood disorder related to genetic inheritance from parents. Patients have red blood cells that are more fragile and prone to destruction, resulting in insufficient oxygen-carrying capacity, which can severely impact...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Do You Have Thalassemia?